FAQs

Shakhan & Wilkerson Law

Have a legal-related question? We have the answer! Check out our FAQs below to learn more about our company and services.

  • Do I need legal assistance with a family matter?

    If you are contemplating divorce, seeking to modify an existing child support order, or wish to have your custody or visitation rights legally recognized, we strongly advise consulting with our child custody lawyers in Macon, GA. At Shakhan & Wilkerson Law, we are fully equipped to provide the professional guidance necessary to navigate these sensitive areas of family law.
  • Can the Shakhan & Wilkerson firm assist me with modification of my support payments?

    Yes, our firm can assist you with support payment modifications. When circumstances change significantly from those that formed the basis of the original decree, such as job loss, business closure, or legal hurdles requiring a criminal attorney in Macon, GA, the court may consider granting a modification. Please be aware that without filing for a formal modification, the original decree remains legally binding regardless of your changed circumstances.
  • Am I eligible to file for a modification to my custody order?

    Eligibility for custody modification typically requires demonstrating a significant change in circumstances affecting the best interests of the child. Whether you are dealing with a relocation or a change in the child's needs, our child custody lawyers in Macon, GA can guide you through the process. Additionally, if a child has reached the age of fourteen and expresses a preference to live with the other parent, the court may consider this as grounds for modification.
  • Can the Shakhan & Wilkerson firm assist me with adoption?

    Our firm is highly experienced in handling various types of adoptions. We provide comprehensive legal assistance for families pursuing private or agency adoptions, as well as for family members, stepparents, or foster parents seeking to legally adopt children currently in their care. Because these matters often overlap with other family court issues, our divorce lawyers in Macon, GA are well-versed in ensuring all parental rights are properly terminated or transferred during the process.
  • What are prenuptial and postnuptial agreements?

    Prenuptial agreements are legal contracts established before marriage, while postnuptial agreements are created after marriage. Both outline how assets would be divided in the event of a divorce. For these agreements to be valid, full asset disclosure is required. Our divorce lawyers in Macon, GA can assist you in drafting either agreement to ensure your interests are protected and that the documents are legally enforceable.
  • Should I pursue legitimation?

    Legitimation may be necessary if you are an unmarried father paying child support but lack legal rights to custody or visitation. Even if you are named on the birth certificate or have confirmed paternity, you may still need to file a petition for legitimation to be legally recognized. Our child custody lawyers in Macon, GA can assist you in this process to help you gain formal custody or visitation rights that the court will recognize.
  • What is an uncontested divorce?

    An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses reach a complete agreement on all terms—including property division, alimony, and child custody—prior to filing. If there is disagreement on any issue, the divorce is considered contested. Our divorce lawyers in Macon, GA can assist in drafting the necessary legal documents for an uncontested filing, though we can only represent one spouse during the process.
  • When should I file for or defend against a contempt action?

    A contempt action is appropriate when one party violates a court’s judgment decree. While certain hardships, such as job loss or the sudden need for a DUI attorney in Macon, GA, may explain a change in behavior, any failure to adhere to the final decree can be grounds for legal action. This includes late payments, failure to divide assets, or not following through on property sales. We can advise you on either filing or defending against such actions.
  • Do I need legal assistance with a family matter?

    If you're considering divorce, looking to modify a current child support order, or want to establish legal custody or visitation rights, we recommend consulting with our attorneys at Shakhan & Wilkerson Law. We're prepared to help you with these family law matters.
  • Can the Shakhan & Wilkerson firm assist me with modification of my support payments?

    Yes, we can help with modifications to support payments. If there's been a substantial change in circumstances since the original decree—such as loss of employment or closure of a business—the court may approve a modification. Keep in mind that the original decree stays in effect until you formally file for a modification, regardless of any changes in your situation.
  • Am I eligible to file for a modification to my custody order?

    To qualify for a custody modification, you generally need to show a substantial change in circumstances that impacts the child's best interests. Also, if your child is fourteen or older and wishes to live with the other parent, this may serve as grounds for modification. We can help you navigate this process.
  • Can the Shakhan & Wilkerson firm assist me with adoption?

    We have extensive experience with different types of adoptions. Our firm can help families with private or agency adoptions, and we also assist family members, stepparents, or foster parents who want to adopt children already in their care.
  • What are prenuptial and postnuptial agreements?

    A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract created before marriage, while a postnuptial agreement is established after marriage. Both agreements specify how assets will be divided if a divorce occurs. For either agreement to be enforceable, complete disclosure of assets is necessary, and both parties must receive some form of benefit. We can help you prepare either type of agreement.
  • Should I pursue legitimation?

    If you're an unmarried father who pays child support but doesn't have legal custody or visitation rights, legitimation may be required. Even if your name appears on the birth certificate, paternity has been confirmed, or you're making support payments, you may still need to file a legitimation petition if you weren't married to the mother when the child was born. This process legally recognizes you as the father and allows you to establish custody or visitation rights. We can help you with legitimation proceedings.
  • What is an uncontested divorce?

    An uncontested divorce happens when both spouses agree on all terms—including division of property, alimony, and child custody—before filing. If there's disagreement on even one issue, the divorce is considered contested. We can help prepare the required legal documents for an uncontested divorce, although we can only represent one spouse during the proceedings.
  • When should I file for or defend against a contempt action?

    A contempt action may be warranted when someone fails to comply with a court's judgment decree. While certain situations like job loss might justify non-compliance, any failure to follow the final decree can be grounds for contempt. This includes making late payments, not dividing assets as directed, or failing to complete required property sales. We can provide guidance on whether to file or defend against a contempt action.